9 cars with small price tag and big surprises

Larry Printz / Virginian-Pilot

Posted:
02/24/2013 12:08:54 AM MST

Updated:
02/24/2013 10:58:07 PM MST

The average price of a new vehicle was $30,803 in 2012, according to automotive information company Edmunds.com. So what could you get for about half of that amount? The answer is: more than you might expect.

There are nine new cars with prices starting at less than $15,000.

They come with unexpected standard equipment, and some surprising omissions, which are listed. If you want one of the missing features, you'll have to look to the options list or a pricier model. All possess an impressive safety list. All models have stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitors and air bags.

Let's look at the list, but keep in mind that all prices represent base models without options, destination charge or taxes.

Nissan Versa

Base price: $11,990

Passenger volume: 90.2 cubic feet

Cargo volume: 14.9 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 27/36 mpg

What it has: Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/CD audio system with audio input jack, spare tire, six air bags

What it doesn't: Bluetooth, power windows and locks, cruise control, tachometer

What it's like: There are two Nissan Versas: the previous generation hatchback starting at $14,670 and this all-new sedan for $2,680 less. The trade-off for price is a less refined driving experience and a cheaper feel to the interior. That said, the Versa sedan offers a decent ride and a surprisingly roomy cabin.

Chevrolet Spark

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Base price: $12,185

Passenger volume: 86.3 cubic feet

Cargo volume: 11.4 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 32/38 mpg

What it has: Air conditioning, power windows, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM audio system with audio input jack, 10 air bags

What it's like: A five-door hatchback is the Spark's sole body style. It delivers boatloads of style and cargo-carrying flexibility. Interior materials are honest, if inexpensive; there's no faux carbon fiber or metallic trim.

Smart Fortwo

Base price: $12,490

Passenger volume: 45.4 cubic feet

Cargo volume: 12 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 34/38 mpg

What it has: Eight air bags

What it doesn't: A back seat, radio, air conditioning, cruise control, power steering, spare tire

What it's like: Of all of the cars on the list, the Smart ForTwo is the only one that requires pricey premium fuel. There are only two seats. The continuously variable automatic transmission has odd shift characteristics, while the ForTwo's short length makes for a truly punishing ride.

What it's like: This is one inexpensive car that's really fun to drive, more so than others on this list. The interior is impressively finished for the price. Like some other cars in the group, the rear seat is cramped. And this price is for the sedan, not the pricier five-door hatchback.

What it doesn't: Power windows and door locks, spare tire, cruise control

What it's like: The Kia Rio doesn't skimp on style. Last year, it received a total makeover that transformed this car from drab to fab. A 138-horsepower four-cylinder returns decent mileage. Choose the optional six-speed automatic over the standard six-speed manual means losing one mpg.

What it's like: The Sonic's style quotient depends on whether you opt for the humble four-door notchback -- the model represented here -- or the pricier, but funkier, five-door hatchback. Regardless of model, its interior is visually caffeinated. Base models get a 140-horsepower engine mated to a standard five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic.

Toyota Yaris

Base price: $14,370

Passenger volume: 84.4 cubic feet

Cargo volume: 15.3 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 30/37 mpg

What it has: Air conditioning, intermittent wipers, AM/FM/XM/HD radio with CD player and audio input jack, tilt steering wheel, power door locks, spare tire, nine air bags

What it doesn't: Power windows, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control

What it's like: The least-expensive Yaris is a three-door hatchback; the five-door costs an extra $1,025. Fuel economy is decent, but performance, ride and handling are unexceptional. And in an era when rivals are endowing the smallest cars with a dash of panache, the drab interior reminds you of how little you spent.

Hyundai Accent

Base price: $14,545

Passenger volume: 89.7 cubic feet

Cargo volume: 13.7 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 28/37 mpg

What it has: Six-speed transmission, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with USB/audio input jacks, power windows and door locks, power heated mirrors, power steering, spare tire, six air bags

What it's like: The 2013 Accent follows a strategy that Hyundai has employed with other recently redesigned models. First, rework it with more interior space than its competition. Next, give the dynamic look of fluid sculpture so the car looks as if it's in motion, even when it's not. Then, make sure the car is reasonably agile to drive.

What it's like: Consider the Mazda2 the Ford Fiesta's sportier sibling, albeit one that's less refined. It's no speed demon off the line, but it is reasonably responsive once you've accelerated. But Mazda has this car tuned right; it's fun to toss around. Interior space is expansive, but overall ambience is a bit more spartan than the Fiesta's.